Leslie Massey
Austria is a country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight other European countries. Its population has a rich history of migration, with many Austrians descending from surrounding countries, particularly the former East Bloc nations. In recent years, the percentage of foreign-born people has increased, with 19% of the population being foreign-born in 2018, the second-highest proportion in the EU after Luxembourg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 7.4 million Austrian citizens |
| Foreign-born population | 19% of the total population (2018) |
| Native German speakers | 88.6% |
| Non-German speakers | 11.4% |
| Foreign nationality among newborn mothers | 32% (2023) |
| Foreign-born mothers among newborns | 34.7% (2023) |
| Naturalization rate | 330,000 people between 1985 and 2003 |
| People of immigrant background | More than 19% or 1.6 million inhabitants (2011) |
| Countries of origin for new citizens | Former Yugoslavia (110,000), Turkey (90,000) |
| Religious affiliations | Roman Catholic (74% in 2001, 58.8% in 2016), Protestant (5% in 2001), Muslim (340,000 in 2001, 700,000 in 2016), Eastern Orthodox Church (680,000 in 2016), Jehovah's Witnesses (21,000 in 2016), Jewish (8,100 in 2016) |
| Bordering countries | Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign-born population
Austria's population includes a significant number of foreign-born individuals, who make up a notable proportion of the country's total population. As of 2018, approximately 19% of Austria's population was foreign-born, making it the second-highest foreign-born proportion among all EU countries, after Luxembourg. This percentage translates to about 1.6 million inhabitants with at least one parent of immigrant background.
The presence of foreign-born individuals in Austria is influenced by several factors, including the country's proximity to other European nations and its membership in the European Union. Austria's neighbours include Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country's location and historical connections have likely contributed to the diversity of its population.
A significant number of Austria's foreign-born residents come from surrounding countries, particularly the former East Bloc nations. Additionally, guest workers ("Gastarbeiter") and their descendants, as well as refugees from the Yugoslav wars and other conflicts, form important minority groups within Austria. The country has also attracted foreign investors and individuals seeking opportunities in its growing economy.
The most common groups of foreign residents in Austria vary over time. As of 2023, German speakers comprised a significant percentage of foreign residents, with 88.8% speaking Austrian German and 6% speaking Alemannic. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the country's census data, where 88.6% of respondents in the 2001 census identified as native German speakers, while the remaining 11.4% spoke various minority languages.
It is worth noting that Austria has a history of naturalizing its foreign-born residents. Between 1985 and 2003, approximately 330,000 people were naturalized, with many coming from the former Yugoslavia and Turkey. As a result of naturalization and immigration, the percentage of the population with a foreign background has increased over time.
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Immigration from surrounding countries
Austria has been experiencing an increase in immigration over the last few years. As of 1 January 2024, there were over 1.1 million third-country nationals (TCNs) and 883,900 EU citizens living in Austria. The percentage of foreign-born people in Austria was around 19% of the total population in 2018, the second-highest foreign-born proportion of all EU countries.
Many of the people immigrating to Austria come from surrounding countries, especially the former East Bloc nations. Refugees from the Yugoslav wars and other conflicts form an important minority group in Austria. In addition, guest workers (Gastarbeiter) and their descendants from the former Yugoslavia and Turkey have been a significant source of immigration to Austria since the 1960s and 1970s. Between 1985 and 2003, 110,000 people were naturalised in Austria from the former Yugoslavia and 90,000 from Turkey.
The Romani people and Sinti have been officially recognised as an ethnic minority in Austria since 1994. There are an estimated 13,000 to 40,000 Slovenes in the Austrian federal state of Carinthia, as well as around 30,000 Croats and Hungarians in Burgenland, who have special rights under the 1955 Austrian State Treaty.
Austria has also welcomed Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict in their country. As of 2022, Ukrainian nationals and recognised beneficiaries of international protection from third countries were eligible for temporary residence in Austria.
In recent years, Austria has made amendments to its immigration policies to promote qualified immigration and facilitate the voluntary departure of migrants without the right to stay. The Federal Act Concerning the Granting of Asylum of 2005 has undergone several amendments, including the introduction of a limit to the right to asylum if there is a threat to national security.
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Foreign residents
Austria has a large foreign-born population, with around 19% of the total population being foreign-born in 2018, the second-highest foreign-born proportion of all EU countries after Luxembourg. In 2023, the number of residents with a migration background reached 2.45 million, accounting for over 27% of the total population. This represented a 35% increase compared to 2015, when the number of foreign residents stood at 1.81 million.
The most common groups of foreign residents in Austria as of 2023 are Germans (88.8%, with 94% Austrian German and 6% Alemannic), followed by Romanians, Turks, and Serbians. Other significant groups include Syrians, Ukrainians, and Hungarians, whose numbers have increased the most since 2015. It is important to note that Germany has historically been Austria's main trading partner, making Austria's economy vulnerable to rapid changes in the German economy.
The foreign-born population in Austria has diverse religious affiliations. While the majority of Austria's population is historically Roman Catholic, there is a significant number of Muslims, with their population doubling in 15 years to 700,000 in 2016. Additionally, about 680,000 people are members of the Eastern Orthodox Church (mostly Romanians and Serbs), and there are also smaller numbers of Jehovah's Witnesses and Jews.
Austria's foreign-born population also has an impact on the country's economy and labour market. Germans constitute nearly 13% of the total foreign labour force in Austria as of February 2024. The increase in the foreign population has been attributed to various factors, including Austria's membership in the European Union, which has attracted foreign investors and refugees, particularly from surrounding countries and former East Bloc nations.
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Naturalization rate
Austria has a growing naturalization rate. Between 1985 and 2003, 330,000 people were naturalized, representing about 4% of the 7.4 million Austrian citizens. Of these new citizens, 110,000 came from the former Yugoslavia and 90,000 from Turkey. In 2005, at least 18% of the population was either foreign or of foreign origin.
As of 2011, official estimates show that 81% of residents, or 6.75 million, had no migration background, and more than 19% (or 1.6 million) inhabitants had at least one parent of immigrant background. There are more than 415,000 descendants of foreign-born immigrants residing in Austria, most of whom have been naturalized. The naturalization rate has been influenced by the possibility of naturalizing descendants of politically persecuted persons, which has been in place since September 2020, leading to a significant increase in naturalizations of non-residents.
Austria's population includes people from various backgrounds, with a mix of native Austrians and those of non-Austrian descent. The country has a history of immigration, with many people coming from surrounding countries, especially the former East Bloc nations. Guest workers and their descendants, as well as refugees from conflicts such as the Yugoslav wars, contribute to the diverse population. Additionally, the Romani people and Sinti have been recognized as an ethnic minority since 1994, and the Carinthian Slovenes, Croats, and Hungarians in Burgenland have special rights under the Austrian State Treaty of 1955.
The language landscape in Austria is predominantly German, with 88.6% of the population speaking native German according to the 2001 census. This is divided into 96% Austro-Bavarian and 4% Alemannic. The remaining 11.4% speak various minority languages, including traditional minorities related to territories formerly part of the Habsburg monarchy and new minorities from recent immigration.
To acquire Austrian citizenship through naturalization, individuals must typically fulfill general requirements, such as a continuous residence in Austria for at least 10 years, with a minimum of 5 years holding a residence permit. Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the German language, the democratic system, and the fundamental principles and history of Austria and its provinces.
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Language
Austria's official language is German, which is the first language for most Austrians. Austrian German is partially influenced by the Austro-Bavarian dialect, which is the main dialect outside of Vorarlberg. In Vorarlberg, Alemannic (Swiss German) is the main dialect and is very difficult for most German speakers to understand.
Austria is linguistically diverse, with about 250 languages spoken throughout the country. According to the 2001 population census, 88.6% of Austrians are native German speakers, with 96% speaking Austro-Bavarian and 4% speaking Alemannic. The remaining 11.4% speak several minority languages, which can be divided into two groups: traditional minorities and new minorities. Traditional minorities are related to territories formerly part of the Habsburg monarchy, and new minorities have resulted from recent immigration.
The largest minority language in Austria is Serbo-Croatian, spoken by more than 4% of the population. Turkish is the second-largest minority language, spoken by 2.3% of the population. Other minority languages with official status include Hungarian, Slovenian, Burgenland-Croatian, Czech, Slovak, and Romany. In the mixed-language districts of Carinthia, Slovene is considered an official language, and in some districts of Burgenland, Hungarian and Croatian have equal status to German.
The Romani people and Sinti have been officially recognised as an ethnic minority in Austria since 1994. The Austrian State Treaty of 1955 granted special rights to several minority groups, including Carinthian Slovenes, Burgenland Croats, and Hungarians in Burgenland.
In addition to linguistic diversity, Austria has a high proportion of foreign-born residents, with 19% of the total population in 2018. Many of these individuals come from surrounding countries, particularly the former East Bloc nations. Refugees from the Yugoslav wars and other conflicts also form a significant minority group in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, the most common groups of foreign residents in Austria were German (88.8%), followed by Romanians and Serbs, Turks, Yugoslavians, and people from the former East Bloc nations.
According to the 2001 population census, 88.6% of people in Austria are native German speakers, with 96% speaking Austro-Bavarian and 4% Alemannic. The remaining 11.4% speak several minority languages.
As of 2005, there were around 7.4 million Austrian citizens living in the country. In 2018, the percentage of foreign-born people was around 19% of the total population, which is the second-highest foreign-born proportion of all EU countries after Luxembourg.
In 2001, about 74% of Austria's population were registered as Roman Catholic, while about 5% considered themselves Protestants. By 2015, 20% of the population declared they had no religion. There are also around 340,000 members of various Muslim communities, and about 680,000 members of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
